Police warn about "garage/car hopping"

by Kelli Cheatham (kcheatham@wsbt.com)

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stealing from unlocked cars

Police say leaving your car unlocked is just as bad as leaving the door open for thieves. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Aug 20, 2008 at 6:30 AM EST

Story Updated: Aug 20, 2008 at 8:25 AM EST

BERRIEN COUNTY — Police in southwest Michigan are warning about a growing crime. It's called garage hopping or car hopping. And you could be an easy target for thieves.

Teenagers are believed to be going from house to house, stealing from unlocked cars and open garages. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

"The best thing [you] can do is just try not to keep things of value in [your] vehicles," said Berrien County Police Sgt. Randall Miller.

That means don't keep loose change, iPods, laptop computers or other valuables in your car.

Miller also said police in southwest Michigan are receiving more reports of daytime burglaries than they had in the past.

"It would probably be best to keep your garage locked and secured, even if you are home," Miller told WSBT. "And especially if you do leave for the day, definitely keep your house locked. All too many times people keep their doors unlocked when they leave."

Sgt. Miller also said getting to know your neighbors can be a very good deterrent for criminals. That way they can recognize people and vehicles that are unfamiliar to that area and call police.

Police in Van Buren County told WSBT they have seen a big increase in garage hopping and car hopping crimes over the past 3 months. Det. Lt. Tom Macyauski said he believes different groups of teenagers are stealing from homes and garages.

Macyauski said his department hasn't been able to make any arrests, but they do have suspects.

If you see suspicious people in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to call your local police department.

Berrien Co. Sheriff's Dept. - (269) 983-7141
Cass Co. Sheriff's Dept. - (269) 445-2481
Elkhart Co. Sheriff's Dept. - (574) 533-4151
Kosciusko Co. Sheriff's Dept. - (574) 267-5667
St. Joseph Co. (IN) Sheriff's Dept. - (574) 235-9611
Starke Co. Sheriff's Dept. - (574) 772-3771
LaPorte Co. Sheriff's Dept. - (219) 326-7700
Van Buren Co. Sheriff's Dept. - (269) 657-7711

Monday, Sep 22 at 9:50 PM Ch1m3r1c wrote ...

Wow you guys are absolutely ridiculous. You are talking about how immoral it is to steal from someones car and your punishment is DEATH? WTF. You would kill someone over a physical possession? You guys are all talking about shooting children? who are immoral? I couldn't believe what i was reading. It's not the parents its the rush. Too many kids are dealing with too much shit. Work, and school take up our lives we go to school longer then you work, and most teens have jobs. It's for fun.

Friday, Aug 22 at 12:08 AM karl wrote ...

You don't blame them, you blame the parents? How brilliant is that? Do you blame Hitler's parents instead of Hitler too?

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I don't blame them. I blame their parents.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 8:07 PM Ida wrote ...

No one deserves to get robbed because they left their car/house unlocked. Just because you "can" doesn't mean you are allowed. It isn't even about the law. It's about respect. The law is something which civilized, intelligent people use to define respect to pathetic trash who haven't even self-respect to guide them. As for boredom- only small minds become bored. Smart people can always find something to do. Maybe SB is "boring" because there are so many illiterate drool-drippers robbing people.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 6:44 PM J wrote ...

My nephew was confiding in me how he was 'caught' garage hopping for beer. I told him I was not a violent person, but, if I caught someone in my garage I would shoot to kill. Nuff' said.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 1:59 PM To ex bender wrote ...

We should know better. It is my property, I have the right to leave my car unlocked and my garage open without worrying that some piece of low life idiot is bored and looking for something to do. You are lucky you weren't caught in my garage as a kid who was BORED. You would have been begging for the hurting to stop. Find something productive to do, like get a life or a job. It is morons like you get law abiding citizens in trouble when we protect our possessions with force.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 1:37 PM Megan wrote ...

Ex-Bender- ever hear of getting a HOBBY?! Jerk.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 11:39 AM ExBender wrote ...

This is news? There's nothing new here. We did this 20 years ago looking for beer and cigarettes. It was a rush for kids growing up in a boring town (SB) with nothing to do. Anyone who leaves valuables out in the open or their home/garage open should know better. Whether it's HS kids like we were or hardcore thieves looking to score, commons sense prevents things like this.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 10:41 AM Anon wrote ...

To 9 PM Grammar: I agree!

Thursday, Aug 21 at 10:00 AM Rick wrote ...

Remember, if someone is on your property you ask them to leave. If they refuse then you can use force to remove them. If your life is threatened then that person just got a free ride to 6' deep hole. Then all the bleeding hearts will complain about the outcome. You know what, do what is right and you don't end up hurt or worse. I catch someone in my garage, they will end up in the hospital plain and simple. I have no problem with that.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:18 AM cf wrote ...

Simeple fact is cops will not do anything till after the fact. Then they just take pictures and leave. Truth is we are mostly on our own.

Thursday, Aug 21 at 7:37 AM J wrote ...

LOL this is not Bush's fault...this is Clintons fault for not preventing the 9/11 attacks! The only reason our economy is bad is because of 9/11. We would have never gone to war if it weren't for that! So this is why our country is hurting plain and simple. How can it be Bush's fault he just took office! It is the people before him that turned a blind eye to the dangers and warnings!!!! Blame them! Bush may not have done a perfect job, but look what kind of hell was handed to him!

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:29 PM Time to grow up, Jason... wrote ...

Morals- belief that there is right and wrong. Noone is stupid enough to prefer an immoral person to a moral one. Even the most degenerate fool gets upset when they become the victim. And theft is NEVER about economics, it's about selfishness. Lazy, misguided idiots think they are special for getting what they want without working. Like the trash in movies that call stealing their "job". Shame on Hollywood for spreading that lie. Shame on Clinton for NAFTA which started the economy downward.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 9:19 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Wow...and you guys thought I was crazy to even have a loaded weapon in my house, let alone CARRY it with me! Guess I'm not alone with taking care of business when the police can't (or won't) with regards to my home and my family's protection. Sure I'm a nit-wit. A really SMART one.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 9:04 PM jason wrote ...

What do expect times are tough unemployement rate is high people are desperate. Scrapers will rip the siding off a house to sell the aluminum. And don't bring up morals because people voted for morals (dubbya) in 04 and thats why were in this trouble to begin with!

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 8:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...

5:37 PM colleenmike wrote ...You are so out there.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 8:47 PM ME wrote ...

I keep a snake in my car and a pitbull in my garage. Have fun kids...

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 8:44 PM Yo YO wrote ...

God's name has come up alot here? I would think people would take care of his name better than what is said in this blog. After all, he does need to keep his good name. Maybe we should just give the thieves what they want drugs and booze, then they would not steal to buy it? Well, that is liberal thinking right? I say lock your stuff up and trust human nature as it exists today--very demanding and self-righteous, other wise just give all your crap to Goodwill. Ahem... God Bless.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 8:00 PM Grammar wrote ...

I began reading the comments to this news story with the intent to add my opinion. However, I soon forgot all about the story because of the horrible grammar and spelling displayed in this commentary forum. What the hell people! Is it really THAT hard to put together coherent sentences and utilize the spelling checker? Quick show of hands... how many of you dropped out of 2nd grade? Jeesh!

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 7:44 PM Jared wrote ...

Dear Mr or Mrs. So and So... I am so sorry that I had to put a bullet into your son Jimmies head, but you see, I caught him in the middle of a home invasion by stealing things from my car and/or garage. Maybe if a few of those letters get written, there will be less "Car Hopping"

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 6:24 PM 38special wrote ...

100 years ago most people lived on farms, were new immigrants or descendants of the founding generation. All were moral, properly raised and tough as nails. There's not a person around that can work and subsist as did our forebearers. We are soft and mostly good for nothing and it shows up in this devilish insanity we call our culture. If our present crisis evolves into a situation of riot and civil disintegration, the American public's survival abilities will become quickly apparent, non existe

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 5:05 PM Lakeville wrote ...

What happened to our judicial system? If you get caught now, you get a slap on the hand. Why not start with our court system. If you get caught stealing it is an automatic 1 year prison term. Wouldn't criminals start thing before they steal things. We need higher imprisonment terms. My daughter was hit by a drunk driver and almost killed. The guy served 6 months. She is permanently disabled for the rest of her life. Where is justice?

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 4:37 PM colleenmike wrote ...

god did say.."For I set all men every one against his neighbor." Zechariah 8:10...What should we expect from each other if we follow gods example here?.... one pair of caring hands is better than 10,000 pairs praying

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 2:07 PM Anonymous wrote ...

1:33 PM Anonymous, try 101 S. Main Street, South Bend. Somebody will be waiting for you.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 2:04 PM Buzzword hater wrote ...

Why do we need a new term for this? It's car theft and burglary plain and simple. And michelle, in the "good old days" we had segregation, nuff said.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 1:43 PM Been around awhile wrote ...

The good old days, what did we have that anybody could steal easily. The TV? Today we have to have too many of the lastest gadgets. Today we have too many "things". People can easily steal and resell for more things to keep them Happy (alcohol, drugs, etc.) Maybe we need to get the message out it's not about us, but helping others and to work for what you get.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 1:30 PM Keri T. Michigan wrote ...

This has happened in my neighborhood and the police have told us there is no way to find out who took anything. Our neighbor had out of town guest and the had there wallet stolen out of there car. Why aren't the parents watching there kids or at least know where they are. You can't leave teenagers alone to do what they want to. This is CRAZY!

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 1:29 PM james wrote ...

everyone needs to bare arms and protect themselves. shoot to kill

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 1:27 PM John Brown wrote ...

Your all Nuts!

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 12:33 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Carla, I accept your dare. Please post your address.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 12:03 PM Elkhart wrote ...

To NILES DUDE "If you get robbed it's your fault" - what kind of thinking is that? If someone gets raped or murdered, is it the victim's fault? Stealing is a CRIME, and so is rape and murder! By the way, I do lock up all the time.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 11:58 AM Hey Michelle wrote ...

The "good old days" are gone forever. Things are going to get a lot worse. We are headed down a BAD road and hell on earth will be the result.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 11:53 AM M.S./Mish wrote ...

To Carla-You can't go around shooting at people either, there are laws, that even if you have permit you can't just shoot at anyone. Just keep your property locked up & don't give them an opportunity to steal from you.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 11:48 AM so bend empl wrote ...

This happens in downtown South Bend too. If you look out at any parking lot throughout the day you will see teens walking through, sometimes clicking a remote past all the cars until they find one that responds. They walk fast like they are going somewhere, but without any real direction. By the time you can report them, they are gone.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:59 AM M.S Mishawaka wrote ...

Come on people its not the responsibility of anyone other than these kids parents to watch over their own, not preachers or God.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:58 AM Anonymous wrote ...

back in the day in high school we called it garage-raiding, mostly looking for beer. Word of lock your cars, and garage-duh

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:55 AM Ph.D. wrote ...

Teachers? Preachers? What about the parents? Good behavior and moral values start at home. Do you know where your kids are?

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:41 AM Giles wrote ...

Gretta - put down the pipe and step away from the computer...

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:19 AM Lisa wrote ...

I have been told by SB police when I have reported suspicious behavior "They aren't doing anything illegal, what do you want me to do?" So much for reporting suspicious behavior.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 10:05 AM to Gretta wrote ...

Don't forget about the Devil, he is running ramped.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 9:57 AM Carla wrote ...

Let these good for nothing brats step foot on my property and try to steal from me and they are gonna be tasting a bullet from my 9mm. Come on over, I DARE YA!!

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 9:08 AM Gretta Pholl wrote ...

Where are all this preachers and teachers that are changing society and saying they are gona save the world... please, priests and preachers come to this place to convert this thieves and robbers to be saved and obey Gods word. Do not steal anything from your neighbor. says God, but it seems that no one is listening. Would some priest come and pray over this lost souls that are coming over my garage and steal my lap top computer and all my gold and silver jewelry that my great grand mo gave me?

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 8:40 AM Michelle wrote ...

What happened to the "good old days"? People knew each other, families watched out for each other, call me old fashioned but I wish we had more "nosy neighbors" like the police said get to know your neighbors...let them know that you are a nosy neighbor, let them know that you ARE interested in keeping the area crime free. I know when my meighbors are home or not, and if I see something going "wrong" I WILL call the police!!! I have a 7 yr. old and want her to grow up in a "safe" community!!!

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 8:37 AM NILES DUDE wrote ...

open garages are common with certain crazies in niles. it's always a matter of time before it gets into the media.lock up-if you get robbed it's your fault.

Wednesday, Aug 20 at 8:08 AM chester wrote ...

God forbid we should teach and uphold morals in society anymore. After all then people would have to stop the petty thefts from their work place, open cars, garages, napster, borrowing money and property and never paying it back and all the little crimes that are deemed acceptable in this 'advanced' society. If you think this pettiness is ok then post your address so you can 'share' your things with the rest of us just as your morals dictate.

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